Ireland coach Declan Kidney urged his players not to be too despondent after they endured a frustrating Setanta Challenge Cup encounter with the USA in Santa Clara, California.

Samoa 25 United States 21

THE United States Eagles refused to use their heroics against England as an excuse for their failure to beat Tonga in their World Cup Pool A clash in Montpellier yesterday.

United States 15 Tonga 25

Ireland 55 USA 6